- Azam Khan’s release postponed until he clears ₹8,000 fine and verification.
- Section 144 imposed in Sitapur to prevent large gatherings.
- SP workers and supporters gather outside jail despite restrictions.
- Police use loudspeakers and fines to disperse crowds on busy Navratri streets.
GG News Bureau
Sitapur, 23rd Sept: Senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and former Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Mohammad Azam Khan is set to be released from Sitapur jail on Tuesday after nearly 23 months in custody. His release, however, was delayed after he failed to pay a court fine of ₹8,000 in two cases.
Authorities said Khan must first pay the fine in court before being returned to jail for formal verification. Sitapur Circle Officer Vinayak Bhosle cited narrow roads and Navratri crowds as reasons for strict enforcement of Section 144.
Despite warnings, SP supporters, including district president Chhatrapal Singh Yadav and MLA Anil Kumar Verma, arrived to welcome their leader. Yadav said Khan’s return would “strengthen the party even more,” while Verma thanked the court for concluding the prolonged legal battle.
Khan received bail on September 18 in the Quality Bar land grab case and earlier this month in a separate eviction case.
